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tactics

tactics

4 3.5
Planned short actions used to reach a specific goal
  • noun
  • /ˈtæktɪks/
translation icon : estrategias
  • You try a bunch of different tactics, but nothing works.
  • Tactics and strategy
  • New Tactics

Why are they all using similar tactics and terms here?

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Examples

  • So let's talk about the tactics of searching for a job today.

  • Winning requires creative tactics, bluffing, and just a bit of luck.

  • Why are they all using similar tactics and terms here?

  • But despite these more effective British tactics, there were still problems.

  • So what are some tactics that we can help with?

  • In terms of battle tactics, the Kelts kept things fairly simple.

  • When you're dealing with the right person, these tactics will do more harm than good.

  • Tactics should be something that can change, but the overarching goals and strategy shouldn't.

    Blog text (18)
  • To understand the ANC's position, it is worth reviewing Mandela's 1958 article "Our Struggle Needs Many Tactics."

    Academic text (1990)
  • Effective tactics are essential for winning negotiations and achieving your goals.

Synonyms

tactic
vstactics
516 3.0

A planned action to reach a goal

has identical meaning but refers to multiple actions or strategies
maneuver
vstactics
  • US
108 6.3

A clever move to gain an advantage in a game or fight

is more about planned sets of actions than single skillful moves
ploy
vstactics
85 4.9

A clever trick used to gain an advantage in talk or negotiation

is more neutral and systematic rather than often cunning or sly
course of action
vstactics
70 3.6

A plan of steps to reach a goal

is usually part of a larger overall strategic plan
plan of action
vstactics
13 3.4

A clear set of steps to reach a goal

is broader and less detailed than this specific scheme
plan of attack
vstactics
11 3.2

A set of planned actions to solve a problem or reach a goal

is used more generally, not only for problem situations
tactical maneuver
vstactics
  • Specialized
1 6.5

A planned move to gain an advantage, for example in chess or sport

is more general and applies beyond military or narrow tactical use

Antonyms

438 3.1

A situation with no order where people are confused and cannot act normally

Compounds

9.9

Dishonest, cruel methods used to hurt others or gain advantage

A police unit trained to handle violent situations like hostage crises and armed standoffs

A group of police officers with special training and weapons who handle very dangerous situations like armed suspects or hostages

A temporary team of experts from different parts of a company who solve an urgent problem quickly

How Sophisticated

strategy
3.7
tactics
4 3.5
tactic
516 3.0
ploy
85 4.9
to trick
326 3.5

Surface Forms

tactics singular
tactics plural

Morphology

tactics = tactic (transparent) = tactic + s

A straightforward plural: 'tactics' is the plural of 'tactic' referring to multiple planned actions or strategies.

Etymology

Tactics comes from the same Greek root takt- meaning 'to arrange' or 'order', and a helpful image is arranging pieces in a game. So tactics are the planned actions you arrange to reach a specific goal.